The Letter which Colo. Laurens was pleased to take charge of for Your Excellency contains the expression of my acknowledgements for the Letter which M. De Choin announced to me, and which was delivered to me the evening of the same day.1 I hastened to give an anticipated answer to it, for we are generally eager to speak, what we sensibly feel—The Extract of Major Howels Journal, by coming to me duplicate, has but too well confirmed the report made by three of my ships, of the Arrival of Admiral Byrons Squadron.

This Deposition and the certainty of Genl Sullivans Army being reduced to Six thousand men including a Majority of Militia—by the departure of three thousand while I was employed in pursuing Lord Howe—will doubtless appear to you the principal reasons for a conduct, the melancholy motives of which I have already amply explained.

It was impossible to disarm Vessels while it was required of them to repulse or attack General Howes Squadron—It was still less so when it was reinforced by the arrival of Byrons fleet, and the enemys naval force acquired by that event, so considerable a degree of Superiority—It was not less difficult to persuade oneself that Six thousand men well intrenched—and with a fort before which trenches had been opened—could be carried in four and twenty hours or in two days—the bravery with which your troops effected a retreat, the Victory which they gained over superior numbers in the open field—have acquired them new Glory—the merit of the matter is established, by taking the number of men for granted2—Your Excellency is doubtless instructed as to this point: you have the means of judging of the possibilities and estimating whether the military calculations have been grounded on false principles—their object ought to be, not to sacrifice the Kings Squadron but when it can be attended with evident utility to Allies who are so dear to him.

You have just proved Sir, that this is your way of thinking—in sending me a detail of the naval reinforcement which has been discovered at New York.

Upon the kind and number of Ships—their condition—their compact or detached State—the insight which may be gained of their designs—will depend our offensive or defensive plans—it appears to me therefore that good Spies must be the basis of all—permit me incessantly to repeat my sollicitations, and offers of money to gain this important end.

The Uncertainty in which we are respecting the measures of the British—after the atrocious destruction of Bedford3—makes me doubt whether this Letter will reach you soon—Lt Colonel Fleury who is so kind as to take charge of it, will perhaps be detained by the hopes of giving new proofs of his zeal courage and talents—To fight the enemy is the only circumstance, that can retard in this excellent officer what all those who serve under Your Excellency call their happiness—I mean the returning to increase the number of your Soldiers and admirers—M. de fleury, is if it can be possible, more penetrated with this Sentiment than any one—and I love him the more for it—It is General Sullivans part to inform you and testify all that I am told he did while he was second to Col. Laurens.4 The accounts given me, made me form the project, when I thought of recommencing the Young Man, & the Colonel, of emulating these Gentlemen, or rather of following their example. Permit me particularly to recommend to your kindness Mr de fleury; he is a useful frenchmen—and when occasion offers I should be very happy to serve with him—and he is calculated for establishing that union between individuals which subsists between our Nations. I have the honor to be &c.